If you’re thinking of coming to Spain from a non-EU country, it’s not as easy as booking a flight. However, compared to many European countries, Spain is relatively welcoming for expatriates hoping to relocate. Outside of marriage, pareja de hecho, here are the most common options available to non-EU citizens.
Company-sponsored visa
This is probably the most ideal situation for those of us who don’t have millions of euros in the bank, but also could be the most challenging to procure.
Theoretically you have to be classified as “highly qualified” and able to do a job that a Spanish person isn’t able to do. But I know of cases where native English speakers who have a PhD or a specific type of sales experience have found visas. More than likely, this would happen with a large multi-national company in Madrid or Barcelona.
For many of these jobs, speaking Spanish may be a requirement however not always.
Student visa
Spain allows foreigners to receive a visa by enrolling in a university or language studies program full-time. This visa is offered to people of all ages, and is a good way to “try out” a new country or city to see if you like it. Here in Barcelona the two languages you can study are Catalan or Spanish.
In order to qualify for a student visa, you are required to pay for a year of private health insurance. Not to worry Americans, in Spain a policy with 0 copayments and global travel insurance costs between 300 euro to 600 euros per year, depending on your age. You will also have to show proof of IPREM, or money to fund your life during the entirety of your stay. As of October 2020, this amount is 537,84 € a month.
With a student visa, you are “required” to attend at least 70% of your classes if you hope to renew your visa. However, given the current state of the Spanish economy, I’d find it hard to believe any school would turn away money. You will have to supply a certificate of excellence to the government before renewing your visa, which means you have to have to prove some level of mastery of what you’re studying.
Some highly recommended language courses in Spain are: Speakeasy BCN, BCNLIP, LAE Madrid.
Non-Lucrative visa
This visa is typically used by retirees looking to spending their golden years living the good life in Spain. Unlike the student visa, this visa offers no work permit whatsoever. However, recently this visa is being used more by individuals who don’t require a work permit in Spain and choose to work remotely from Spain.
You will renew your visa yearly, and after renewing this visa for the third time, you will qualify for a long-term residence permit in Spain. If you are a Latin American citizen or are from the Philippines, this option is available to you after only 2 years.
In order to apply for this visa, you need to show proof of 26k euros and like the student visa, will need to purchase private insurance.
Entrepreneur visa
In order to qualify for this visa, you will need to show proof that your future business would be innovative and of special interest for Spain, meaning it would create jobs and contribute to development of the country. As we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic, I would hope this visa will become easier to get in the future once COVID is behind us, as the Spanish economy isn’t in great shape.
Golden visa
If you are willing to invest 500k euros in Spain, you’re welcome to stay! While that may sound like a lot of money to many, it happens to be among the lowest and most popular in Central Europe.
I wish I could claim to know more about this visa, but I know very little. An immigration attorney could tell you more.
Is it tough?
I get this question ALL THE TIME. The answer is YES. However, I came to Spain alone right before a global pandemic forced us inside for much of the year. However, the Spanish culture, lifestyle, culture, and ability to travel made this decision a no-brainer for me. I know that I can always go back to America if I want, and so far, I don’t want to.
A few helpful expat blogs I’ve found are:
Map and Muse: A Bay Area family’s experience in Andalucia
Esto es La Leche: An American expat woman’s journey teaching English in Barcelona
Homage to BCN: Musing, tips, ideas for Barcelona living
Have any questions for me? Feel free to post them below.
